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A controversy erupted after President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment over arrangements for the International Santal Conference in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, saying many members of the tribal community could not attend an event meant to celebrate their culture. Murmu made the remarks after attending the conference, questioning the choice of venue and noting that the location made it difficult for members of the Santal community to reach the gathering. Her comments quickly drew national attention and sparked sharp political reactions.“This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India. The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President. It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government. The office of the President is above politics and the sanctity of this office should always be respected. One hopes better sense prevails among the West Bengal Government and TMC,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.The controversy began after the venue of the conference was reportedly shifted from Bidhannagar in Darjeeling district to Gossainpur in the Bagdogra area on the outskirts of Siliguri. Murmu said the change in location limited accessibility for many members of the Santal community. After seeing the surrounding open areas near the venue, the President said the program could have been organized in a larger space capable of accommodating far more people.Murmu also noted the absence of Mamata Banerjee and other state ministers during her visit. According to standard protocol, the chief minister or a senior minister typically receives the President during official visits to a state. The only political representative present at the airport to receive Murmu was Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb. Referring to the absence of state leaders, Murmu said that when the President visits a state, the chief minister and ministers should usually be present.“Today was the International Santal Conference. When I came here after attending it, I realised it would have been better if it had been held here, because the area is so vast... I don't know what went through the administration's mind. They said no, the place is congested. But I think five lakh people could gather here easily. But I don't know why they took us there. I don't know what went through the administration's mind that they chose a place for the conference where the Santal people couldn't go... I am very sad that the people here were unable to reach the conference because it was held so far away. Perhaps the administration had hoped that no one would be able to attend, and the President would simply turn around and leave. If the President visits a place, the Chief Minister and the Ministers should also come. But she did not... I am also a daughter of Bengal. Mamata Didi is also my sister, my younger sister. I don't know if she was angry with me, that's why this happened,” President of India said as quoted by ANI.West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee later rejected allegations of any protocol violation. In a statement posted on X, she said the President had been received and seen off strictly according to the official lineup approved by the President’s Secretariat. According to CM Banerjee, Murmu was welcomed by the mayor of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, the Darjeeling district magistrate and the commissioner of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate. She also suggested that the organizers of the conference may not have been adequately prepared, while maintaining that there had been no lapse by the district administration.“International Santal Council, a private organisation, invited Hon’ble President to the 9th International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri. After Advanced Security Liaison, district administration flagged in writing to the President’s Secretariat that the organiser appeared inadequately prepared; the concern was also conveyed telephonically (For relevant letters and photographs, see my related facebook post) The President’s Secretariat advance team visited on 05.03.26, was apprised of the lack of arrangements, yet the programme continued as scheduled,” CM Banerjee wrote on X.“Hon’ble President was received and seen off by Mayor Siliguri Municipal Corporation, DM Darjeeling and CP Siliguri Police Commissionerate strictly as per the approved lineup shared by the President’s Secretariat. CM, West Bengal was not part of the lineup or the dais plan. No protocol lapse happened on part of district administration. BJP is disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda. Most unfortunate,” she added.Meanwhile, the Union government has sought a detailed report from the West Bengal administration regarding the President’s visit. According to the reports, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan asked the West Bengal chief secretary to submit a report by Sunday evening outlining the circumstances surrounding the alleged lapses. The report will address several issues, including adherence to protocol during the President’s arrival and departure, the last-minute change in the conference venue, alterations in the travel route and logistical arrangements during the visit.According to the reports, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also sought clarification on why key state officials, including the chief minister, the chief secretary and the director general of police, were not present during the President’s arrival and departure. Centre has also asked whether any action has been taken against local authorities, including the Darjeeling district magistrate and the Siliguri police commissioner, over the alleged lapses.The developments have intensified political tensions between the central government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal. While BJP leaders have described the incident as a serious administrative failure, CM Banerjee has accused the party of politicising the office of the President and turning the issue into a political controversy.

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A controversy erupted after President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment over arrangements for the International Santal Conference in West Bengal’s ... ...